Membership does have its privileges—and getting a sleek, super-sculpted body is one of them! Here’s how to make that monthly fee really pay off

A gym gives you support, tons of exercise options, and a change of scenery from at-home workouts—three things that can help you bust boredom and plateaus. But all those tools and machines can be intimidating! So to get you started, Michelle Lovitt (trainer to stars like Courteney Cox and Lauren Graham) designed a total-body toning routine that incorporates the most effective gear in the club. Slip on a cute outfit and walk in like you own the place—soon you'll look like you do.

How it works: Two or three days a week, do 2 sets of 10 to 12 reps of each move. To save time, finish all sets of one exercise before moving to the next. If the last 2 reps of a set are easy, add weight; if your form is breaking down, reduce the load.

Recommended:

Sets:

2

Reps:

10 to 12

ALoad 10 to 20 pounds on each side of a cable crossover machine, adjust the pulleys to their lowest positions, and attach a handle to each one; place a stability ball between them. Hold a handle in each hand and lie with shoulder blades centered on the ball. Extend arms at shoulder level out to sides, elbows slightly bent and palms facing ceiling, and raise hips so body forms a line from head to knees.

BRaise hands over chest, then slowly lower arms to starting position.

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1 of 6

Join the Club! Firming Plan

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B

Recommended:

Sets:

2

Reps:

10 to 12

ALoad 10 to 20 pounds on each side of a cable crossover machine, adjust the pulleys to their lowest positions, and attach a handle to each one; place a stability ball between them. Hold a handle in each hand and lie with shoulder blades centered on the ball. Extend arms at shoulder level out to sides, elbows slightly bent and palms facing ceiling, and raise hips so body forms a line from head to knees.

BRaise hands over chest, then slowly lower arms to starting position.

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Suspended Supine Row

A

Recommended:

Sets:

2

Reps:

10 to 12

AAnchor a War Machine or a TRX Suspension Trainer to a sturdy object overhead so the handles are at waist height, then lock the releases. Grab a handle with each hand, extend arms, and walk feet forward so body is aligned from head to heels and hands are over chest, palms facing each other. Bend elbows straight back, drawing hands toward chest [shown], then extend arms to return to starting position.

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Kettlebell Pass-Through Lunge

A

Recommended:

Sets:

2

Reps:

10 to 12

AStand with feet hip-width apart and hold a kettlebell in left hand, arms extended at sides. Lunge forward with right leg as you pass the kettlebell under right thigh [shown] to right hand. Step back to starting position and repeat, this time lunging forward with left leg (and passing weight to left hand) to complete 1 rep.

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Rope Crunch

A

B

Recommended:

Sets:

2

Reps:

10 to 12

AHook a rope attachment to one end of a cable crossover machine and an ankle strap to the other, and load 5 to 15 pounds on each weight stack. Set the pulleys to their lowest position. Wrap the strap around ankles and lie faceup between the pulleys, holding an end of the rope in each hand. Extend arms over chest and raise legs a few inches off the floor.

Recommended:

Sets:

2

Reps:

10 to 12

ALoad 30 to 50 pounds on a seated leg press and sit with feet hip-width apart on the plate. Adjust your position so knees are bent 90 degrees. Release the brake, then extend legs. Lift left foot (or shift it down so it’s barely touching the plate) and slowly bend right knee 90 degrees.

BPlace left foot next to right again and extend legs to return to starting position. Repeat, this time lifting right foot. Continue, alternating feet each rep.